Support apparatus

ABSTRACT

A support apparatus includes a support member having at least one thread, a collar attached to the support member that is moveable along the one or more threads of the support member and at least one arm assembly attached to or positioned on the collar. The one or more threads may include a ridge formed on the support member or a groove formed in the support member. The one or more arm assemblies are configured to hold an object such as, for example, a monitor, copy holder, liquid crystal display or light fixture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/372,110 filed on Feb. 17, 2009, which claimedpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/090,712,which was filed on Aug. 21, 2008.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to furniture or fixtures such as monitorarms and support arms that are sized and configured to support copyholders, computer monitors, liquid crystal displays and other objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Support arms such as monitor supports or copy holders often include oneor more arms that extend from a support post. The arm is configured tohold an object, such as a monitor. The support post is typically clampedto a support surface, such as a desk, table or partition wall. Examplesof support arms and similar support apparatuses are disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,389,965, 7,252,277, 7,246,780, 7,182,301, 7,048,242,7,014,157, 6,905,101, 6,863,252, 6,739,096, 6,679,096, 6,554,238,6,554,235, 6,505,988, 6,499,704, 5,992,809, 5,553,820, D518,063, andD537,323, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0284997,2005/0133678, 2005/028499, 2006/0266909, and 2008/02.37439, WorldIntellectual Property Publication Nos. WO 2008/091998, WO 2008/113860,WO 2008/012368, WO 2008/02287.3, WO 2007/137905 and WO 2007/118862 andUnited Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 2,440,606.

When using a support arm, a user typically rotates the support arm abouta support post to position the support arm at a desired location forviewing Or using a computer screen or other object held by the supportarm. Adjusting the vertical position of a support arm can be difficult.For instance, support arms are typically configured such that verticaladjustment of the support arm is time consuming or unable to providefine adjustment.

For example. World Intellectual Property Publication No. WO 2008/022873discloses a support arm that includes a support post withcircumferential recesses at certain spacing intervals and a collarconfigured to attachment to the post at any of these recesses. A supportconfigured for holding an object such as a monitor may be attached tothe collar and supported on the post by the collar. A user may noteasily reposition the collar vertically from one circumferential recessto a second circumferential recess along the collar. Due to the weightof the objects supported by the collar, a user may have to remove thesupport and monitor or other object attached to the collar prior tovertically moving the collar and support arm to a new location at adifferent recess. Removal of such objects may not be easily done sincethe objects can include televisions, computer monitors or otherequipment that is wired or interconnected to other devices. Indeed, theadjustment of the collar and support arm to a different recess canrequire a specialist to provide such adjustment to ensure the objectbeing held by the support arm is not damaged during the adjustment ofthe collar to a new recess.

Various support arms require springs, such as gas springs or coiledsprings, to help support an object at a particular location and permitpositioning adjustment of the support arm. For instance, WorldIntellectual Property Publication No. WO 2007/118862 discloses a supportarm that requires a gas spring and a cable to support an object held bythe arm in a particular position. The support arm also has a sleeve thatmay be slid over a cylindrical support post for attachment to thesupport post. The use of cables often detracts from the aesthetic effectof the support arm. The use of exposed springs or gas springs can alsodetract from the aesthetic effect of a support arm. Moreover, the use ofsprings and cables to support an object often increase the cost offabricating such support apparatuses.

A support apparatus is needed that can permit a user to easily adjustthe vertical position of an object held by the support apparatus.Preferably, the support apparatus has a wide range of design optionsthat are not limited by a requirement for springs or cables to helpsupport an object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We provide a support apparatus that includes a support member that hasat least one thread, a collar attached to the support member that ismoveable along the one or more threads of the support member and atleast one arm assembly attached to or positioned on the collar. Thesupport member has at least one thread. The at least one arm assembly issized and configured to hold at least one object.

The support member may be a support post or other elongated supportmember such as a generally cylindrical or generally rectangular post,Preferably, the support post is composed of metal or an elastomericmaterial. The one or more threads of the support member may be a groovethat is formed in the support member that extends from one end of thesupport member to an opposite end of the support member. Preferably, thegroove curves around the support member in a helical path.

In one embodiment of our support apparatus, the one or more armassemblies may include a first arm assembly that has a first linkagepivotally attached to a second linkage and a third linkage that ispivotally attached to the second linkage. A mounting plate may also beattached to the third linkage.

Some embodiments of our support apparatus may include a frictionadjustment mechanism attached to the one or more arm assemblies. Thefriction adjustment mechanism may include a plurality of frictioninducing members positioned adjacent an axle defining a tilt axis toapply an amount of friction during movement of an object about the tiltaxis. The friction adjustment mechanism may also include a rotatablemember positioned adjacent the friction inducing members that isconfigured to rotate to adjust the amount of friction applied duringmovement of an object about the tilt axis.

Other embodiments of our support apparatus may include a frictionadjustment mechanism that includes a linkage positioned between amoveable lobe and a fixed lobe. The fixed lobe may be attached to amounting device and have a first surface that engages a first surface ofthe linkage. The moveable lobe may have a first surface that engages asecond surface of the linkage. A rotatable member may extend through anopening formed in the moveable lobe and an opening formed in thelinkage. The rotatable member may be moveable relative to the moveablelobe or the linkage. In some embodiments, the rotatable member may be ascrew such RS a compression screw. The rotatable member may also extendthrough an opening formed in the fixed lobe and be moveable relative tothe moveable lobe, the fixed lobe, or the linkage. The moveable lobe andfixed lobe may be structures that have generally polygonal or generallycylindrical shapes or may have other shapes.

In one embodiment, the support apparatus may include at least one armassembly that has a linkage positioned between a moveable lobe and afixed lobe, The fixed lobe may be attached to a mounting device and havea first surface that engages a first surface of the linkage. Themoveable lobe can also have a first surface that engages a secondsurface of the linkage. A rotatable member may extend through an openingformed in the moveable lobe and an opening formed in the linkage suchthat movement of the rotatable member adjusts an amount of frictioncreated from movement of the moveable lobe relative to the linkage. Therotatable member may also extend through an opening formed in the fixedlobe and be moveable relative to the moveable lobe, fixed lobe or thelinkage. An axle may also extend through the opening in the fixed lobeand the opening of the linkage. The axle may have an opening sized andconfigured to receive the rotatable member.

Embodiments of our support apparatus can also include an arm assemblythat has a mounting device attached to an arm positioned attached to thecollar The mounting device can have a groove sized and configured toreceive a tool such as a hex wrench or screw driver. That tool may bestored for use in adjusting the friction in a friction adjustmentmechanism. For instance, the tool may be used to rotate the rotatablemember of a friction adjustment mechanism.

The one or more arm assemblies of our support apparatus may include armassemblies that are composed of multiple linkages or just one linkage.In one embodiment, the support apparatus includes an arm assembly thathas a first linkage that has a first end pivotally attached to the firstend of a second linkage. The first linkage also has an indented portionsized and configured to receive at least a portion of the second linkagesuch that the second linkage can be moved to at least one positionadjacent the indented portion. Preferably, the second linkage isrotatable along an angular range of 0° to 339°. The indented portion ofthe first linkage may define a gap between the indented portion and thefirst end of the first linkage.

Some embodiments of our support apparatus include a collar that has aprojection sized and configured to engage the one or more threads of thesupport member. The one or more projections may be sized to travel alongor move along the one or more threads. For instance, the one or moreprojections may be a tooth or a thread configured to slide along the oneor more threads of the support member.

Embodiments of our support apparatus may include a collar that has afirst portion attached to a second portion. One or more projections mayextend from the first portion. The first portion may be composed ofmetal or plastic and the second portion may be composed of elastomericmaterial such as rubber. Preferably, the first portion of the collar iscomposed of nylon and the second portion of the collar is composed of adurometer such as sanoprene.

It should be understood that embodiments of our support apparatus do notrequire the use of a coil spring, gas spring or cable to maintain aposition of the one or more arm assemblies. While some embodiments ofour support apparatus may include such springs or cables, thesecomponents are not required for the arm assemblies to stay in aparticular position.

Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent as the following description of certain present preferredembodiments thereof and certain present preferred methods of practicingthe same proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Present preferred embodiments of the support apparatus are shown in theaccompanying drawings and certain present preferred methods ofpracticing the same are also illustrated therein, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a first present preferredembodiment of our support apparatus connected to a support surface in afirst position.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the first present preferredembodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the first present preferred embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the first present preferred embodiment in asecond position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second present preferred embodiment ofour support apparatus.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a present preferred embodiment of an armassembly.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of a third present preferred embodiment ofour support apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a portion of the third present preferredembodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fourth present preferred embodiment ofour support apparatus.

FIG. 7A is a fragmentary view of the fourth present preferredembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of a fifth present preferred embodiment ofour support apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view of the fifth present preferred embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a first present preferred embodiment of afriction adjustment mechanism that may be included in the fifth presentpreferred embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the first present preferredfriction adjustment mechanism taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view of a sixth present preferred embodiment ofour support apparatus.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a portion of the sixth present preferredembodiment.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view similar to FIG. 13 of the sixth presentpreferred embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a second present preferred frictionadjustment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a first embodiment of our support apparatus 1 isshown mounted to a support surface 7, which may be, for example, a desktop, table top, or an article of furniture. A clamp 3 is attached to asupport post 5 and is configured to attach the support post 5 to thework surface 7. A clamping member may be adjusted to connect anddisconnect the clamp 3 from the work surface 7.

The support post 5 has a continuous thread 6 formed along or cut intothe outer surface of the post 5. Preferably, the thread 6 extends alongthe outer surface of the post along a curved line path that makesmultiple revolutions around the circumference of the post 5. A collar 9is attached to the post 5 such that it is moveable along the thread 6 sothe collar can be moved along at least a portion of the length of thepost. The collar 9 may also be removed from the post by moving thecollar along the thread 6.

A cap 10 is positioned at the top of the post. The cap 10 is configuredto have a projection 12 to provide an aesthetic effect to the post.Preferably, the projection 12 of the cap 10 is configured to permit thepost 5 and cap 10 to create an aesthetic effect that is at leastslightly representative of a sailboat mast, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.Such an aesthetic effect can be provided by the unique structure of thecap 10, the length and width of the post 5 and the orientation, size andconfiguration of the projection 12 of the cap 10. Preferably, theprojection 12 has a generally rectangular shape.

An arm 11 is disposed adjacent the support post 5 and is rotatable aboutthe support post 5. The arm 11 is supported on the collar 9 and can restupon the top portion of the collar 9 and/or engage the collar 9. The arm11 is configured so a user may move arm 11 to place the arm in multipledifferent positions by rotation of the entire arm 11 or by movement ofvarious portions of the arm 11. It should be understood that theportions of the arm 11 may be composed of metal, elastomeric material,composites, other materials, or a combination of such materials. The arm11 may be configured to hold an object such as a monitor, liquid crystaldisplay, copy holder, or light fixture.

As may best be appreciated from FIG. 3, the arm 11 includes a first link17 that has a first end disposed adjacent the support post 5 and canrotate about the support post 5. The first link 17 has a second end thatis pivotally attached to a second link 15 at a pivot assembly 19. Pivotassembly 19 defines a substantially vertical axis. The second arm link15 may move relative to the first arm link 17 about this vertical axis.

It should be appreciated that the first arm link 17 can move independentof the second arm link 15 about the support post 5. The second arm link15 may move independently of the first arm link 17 about the pivotassembly 19.

The second link 15 is pivotally attached to the first link 17 at one endand is pivotally attached to a third link 25 at its second end. A pivotpin 21 defines an axis of rotation for the movement of the third link25. The pivot pin 21 is aligned substantially vertically such that thethird link can move substantially horizontally relative to the secondarm link 15. The third link 25 can move about the pivot pin 21independent of the first arm link 17 and/or the second arm link 15.

The third link 25 is pivotally attached to a mounting plate 13. Anattachment mechanism 23 is attached to the mounting plate. Theattachment mechanism 23 includes a pivot pin 22 that is alignedsubstantially horizontally so that an object may be connected to themounting plate 13 and tilt vertically about the pivot pin 22.

The first link 17 is configured to provide a desirable aesthetic effectcreated by a top cap 18 and a bottom cap 16 that are positioned alongthe top and bottom of the first link 17. The top and bottom cap may becolored different than the first link 17 to enhance the aesthetic effectof the arm 11. The first link 17 may include an indented portion 8 thatis cut into, molded or otherwise formed in the body of the first link17. Preferably, the indented portion 8 has a generally triangular shapethat is spaced from the end of the first link 17 that is pivotallyattached to the second link 15.

As may best be appreciated in FIG. 3A, the indented portion 8 permitsthe second link 15 to be rotated relative to the first link 17 by anangular range θ about one side of the first link 15 or a total angularrange φ. Preferably, the total angular range φ is 339° and the sidespecific angular range θ is 169.5°. Most preferably, the total angularrange φ is 3.38° and the side specific angular range θ is 169°.

The indented portion 8 is preferably formed to receive a portion of thesecond arm link 15 such that when the second arm link 15 is rotated fromthe position shown in FIG. 1 to the position shown in FIG. 3A, which ispreferably a 169.5° rotation, a portion of the second arm link 15 mayengage the indented portion 8 of the first arm link 17, as shown indotted line in FIG. 3A. In other embodiments, a second arm link 15 maybe disposed very close to the indented portion 8 when in this selectedposition, but not have any portion of the second arm link 15 actuallyengage the indented portion 8 when the second arm link 15 is in such aposition.

It should be appreciated that the indented portion 8 can provide asubstantially greater range of motion to the second arm link 15 and alsopermit the arm 11 to be placed in many more positions relative to thepost 5. Generally, a total 360° range of rotation between the first armlink 17 and second arm link 15 is difficult, if not impossible, for armlinkages that move substantially horizontally relative to each otherSuch substantial horizontal movement has little, if any, verticalcomponent to the movement. Use of indented portion 8, which alsoprovides a space between the indented portion 8 and the pivot for thesecond arm link 15, permits substantially greater rotation of the secondarm link 15 since the arm link may be moved very close to, if not intoengagement with, the indented portion 8 of the first arm link 17.

Of course, third link 25 may rotate to move the mounting plate 13 whenthe arm 11 is in the first position shown in FIG. 1, the second positionshown in FIG. 3A or in various other positions. The first arm link 17may also be rotated about the post 5 when the second arm link 15, thirdarm link 25 or mounting plate 13 are in any position relative to thefirst arm link 17.

The collar 9 may be rotated to vertically adjust the position of thecollar 9 on the support post. Movement of the collar 9 also adjusts theposition of the arm 11. Preferably, the collar 9 is configured so thatmovement of the collar 9 can adjust the vertical position of the arm 11without rotating the arm 11 or the first link 17 of the arm 11 about thesupport post 5. Rotation of the collar 9 in a first direction can movethe collar 9 upwards. Rotation of the collar 9 in a second directionthat is opposite to the first direction can move the collar downwards.The rate at which the collar may move along the post as it is rotatedmay depend upon the configuration of the threaded path 6. Preferably,the threaded path 6 is a thread that has a helical or spiral path thatextends from the top of the support post 5 to the bottom of the supportpost 5. For instance, the threaded path 6 may be defined by a ridgeFormed on the support post 5 or a groove formed in the support post 5that spirals along the support post 5.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the support post 5 thathave a threaded path 6 defined along the entire length of the postpermits a user to adjust the position of the arm 11 to any point alongthe length of the post 5. Such adjustment is relatively infinite betweenthese two points and may not be dependent on any discrete positionslocated between the two ends of the thread 6.

It should also be appreciated that our support apparatus 1 can includenumerous design alternatives that do not have to be limited by the useof springs or cables to maintain the positioning of the arm 11. Whileembodiments of our support apparatus may include springs or cables, suchsprings or cables are not required in the design of such embodiments soa wide array of aesthetic effects that need not be detrimentallyaffected by any exposed springs or cables may be contemplated. Forinstance, coil springs, gas springs or cables need not be utilized inembodiments of our support apparatus to maintain the position orconfiguration of an arm. That being said, embodiments of our supportapparatus may include arms that have springs or cables if such springsor cables are desired by a designer.

A second present preferred embodiment of our support apparatus 29 isshown in FIG. 4. The support apparatus 29 is positioned adjacent a worksurface 37 so that the support apparatus can support an object adjacentthe work surface 37. The support apparatus 29 includes a support post 35that has a thread 36 defined in the outer surface of the support post35. A collar 39 that is moveable along the thread 36 in the support post35, and a cap 30 is positioned adjacent the top of the post 35. An armassembly 32 is positioned adjacent the collar 39 and support post 35 andis rotatable about the post 35.

In some embodiments, the arm assembly may include only one link. Thatlink may be pivotally connected to a mounting plate and rotatable aboutthe support post. In other embodiments, the arm assembly can includemultiple links.

As may best be appreciated from FIG. 4A, a present preferred armassembly 32 has a first link 38 that is a unitary structure and ispivotally connected to a second link 35. A rigid plate 31 is attached tothe first link 38 to provide support to the support apparatus 29.Preferably, the rigid plate 31 is composed of metal or a plastic that isrelatively rigid.

The second link 35 is also a unitary structure. A generally verticallyaligned pivot pin pivotally connects the first link 38 to the secondlink 35 such that the second link 35 can move generally horizontallyrelative to the first link 38. A third link 40 is a unitary structurethat is pivotally connected to the second link 35 such that the thirdlink 40 can rotate relative to the second link 35.

A mounting plate 33 is pivotally connected to the third link 40. A pivotpin, ball and socket joint or other connection mechanism may moveablyconnect the mounting plate 33 to the third link 40. The mounting plate33 is also a unitary structure. Preferably, the mounting plate 33, firstlink 38, second link 35 and third link 40 are all composed of plastic ormetal.

The mounting plate 33 is configured to attach to an object, such as amonitor 36 or a liquid crystal display. Preferably, the mounting plate33 or third link 40 also includes a tilt mechanism 34 that permits themounting plate to be tilted upward or downward such that a monitor 36attached to the mounting plate can be tilted upward or downward. Forinstance, the tilt mechanism 34 could include a ball and socket jointmechanism, a portion of a ball and socket joint mechanism that connectsto a second portion attached to the third linkage 40, or a pivot pin.The tilt mechanism 34 may also include a friction lock that isconfigured to retain the tilted position of the monitor and/or mountingplate 33. For the monitor to be tilted from the first position shown inFIG. 4 to a second position, a user may manually apply a force to themonitor that overcomes the force of the friction lock in the tiltmechanism 34 to move the monitor. Preferably, the fiction lock includesan adjustment mechanism that permits adjustment of the force applied bythe friction lock to hold the tilt position of the mounting plate 33 andany object attached to the mounting plate.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a fourth present preferred embodiment of oursupport apparatus may include a collar 52 that is moveably attached to asupport post 50 that has threads 51 defined in the support post 50. Thecollar 52 includes a first outer portion 55 and a second inner portion57. Preferably, the outer portion 55 is composed of an elastomericmaterial, such as rubber or a durometer, and the inner portion 57 iscomposed of a relatively rigid plastic or metal. Preferably, the outerportion of the collar is configured to permit a user to easily grasp thecollar to rotate the collar.

The inner portion 57 of the collar 52 has an inner surface that includesa tooth or a thread 53 that mates with the thread 51 formed in the post50 so that rotation of the collar 52 causes the collar to move along thelength of the post 50. The outer portion 55 of the collar 52 ispreferably over molded to the inner portion 57 and includes a protrusion(not shown) that extends through a hole formed in the inner portion 57such that the protrusion engages the post 50 when the collar 52 isattached to the post 50. The protrusion (not shown) is configured toprovide additional friction to any movement of the collar 52 to help thecollar support one or more arm assemblies or other objects.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A, embodiments of our support apparatus can beconfigured to support multiple objects. For example, a collar 71 can bepositioned along a threaded support post 61. The collar 71 may have atooth that fits within a grooved thread 62 such that the collar 71 canmove along the thread 62 formed in the support post 61. A clampingmechanism 65 can be attached to the post 61 to attach the post 61 to awork surface or article of furniture. The clamping mechanism 65 mayinclude one or more clamping members 66 that are moveable to attach theclamping mechanism 65 to an object or unattach the clamping mechanism65.

A multiple arm support 73 may be disposed adjacent the support post 61on the collar 71. Preferably, the multiple arm support 73 includes alower portion 74 configured to rest upon the top of the collar 71 suchthat the lower portion 74 can rotate and/or slide along the top of thecollar 71. The multiple arm support 73 can also include a first pivotalconnection 76 for connecting the multiple arm support 73 to the firstarm assembly 75 and a second pivotal connection 78 for connecting thesecond arm assembly 77 to the multiple arm support 73.

The arm assemblies 75 and 77 may be similar to arm assemblies 11 or 32discussed above. Both arm assemblies may move independently. Movement ofthe collar 71 may permit vertical adjustment of the arm assemblies. Ofcourse, movement of a particular arm linkage may also vertically and/orhorizontally adjust a portion of an arm assembly.

Of course, vertical adjustment of the arm assemblies may be permitted byother portions of our support apparatus as well. For example, in oneembodiment of our support apparatus, pivotal connections betweendifferent arm linkages may be configured to permit substantial verticalmovement. As another example, at least one pivotal connection in anembodiment of our support apparatus could include a ball and socketjoint or other connection that permits both vertical and horizontalmovement of an arm linkage and/or the mounting plate of the supportapparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, an embodiment of our support apparatus caninclude a mounting plate 81 that has a tilt mechanism 90 that includes africtional adjustment mechanism 80 configured to adjust the frictionapplied during the tilting of an object, such as a monitor, light orcopy holder, that is attached to the mounting plate 81. Preferably, thefrictional adjustment mechanism 80 is a portion of a pivotal attachmentbetween the mounting plate and a portion of an arm assembly.

The frictional adjustment mechanism 80 includes a housing 82 attached tothe mounting plate, a pin 84 that extends through the housing 82 and anaperture 102 formed in an arm linkage 101. Interlocked washers 87 and 88and interlocked washers 91 and 92 are adjacent the pin 84 and can act onthe pin 84 such that rotation of pin 84 causes friction against thewashers 87, 88, 91 and 92 to make rotation of the pin 84 require moreforce or less force from a user.

It is also contemplated that the housing 82 include a bearing surfaceadjacent the linkage 101. Linkage 101 may also be configured to havebearing surfaces adjacent each side of the aperture 102. The bearingsurfaces can be molded, cut or otherwise formed into the structure ofthe housing 82 and/or linkage 101. It should be appreciated that such aconfiguration of the housing 82 and/or linkage 101 can provide africtional adjustment mechanism that includes only one washer 92, whichcan reduce the cost of making certain embodiments of the frictionaladjustment mechanism and/or our support apparatus.

A sleeve 85 is positioned within aperture 102 and between the washers 87and 88 and washers 91 and 92. The sleeve 85 may also engage the pin 84such that movement of the pin 84 creates friction between the pin 84 andsleeve 85. Preferably, the sleeve is composed of plastic or metal.

The knob 83 is configured to receive an end of the pin 84 and is able torotate about the end of the pin. Rotation of the knob 83 in a firstdirection causes the washers 87 and 88 and 91 and 92 to move closer toeach other such that rotation of pin 84 incurs an increased amount offriction against the washers 87, 88, 91 and 92 and/or the sleeve 85.Rotation of the knob 83 in a second direction that is opposite the firstdirection causes the washers and/or linkage 101 and housing 82 to movefarther from each other such that rotation of pin 84 causes a decreasedamount of friction against the washers 87, 88, 91 and 92 and/or thesleeve 85.

For many embodiments, the amount of friction acting on the pin 84 may beextremely high such that rotation of the knob 83 can be difficult. Alever 99 may be provided adjacent the end of the pin 84 opposite theknob 83 to release the tension within the friction adjustment mechanismso that the knob 83 may be more easily rotated. Movement of lever 99from a first position to a second position can move the pin 84 towardthe knob 83 and further into the hole in the knob sized to receive thepin 84. Such movement can relieve the tension in the friction adjustmentmechanism 80 and permits rotation of the knob 83 to occur with use ofmuch less force. Once the knob has been rotated to adjust the positionsof the washers 87, 88, 91 and 92, the lever 99 may be returned to thefirst position to increase the tension in the friction adjustmentmechanism.

It should be appreciated that movement of knob 83 can help permit a userto adjust the amount of friction so that a user may alter how much forcethe user must apply to the mounting plate 81 to vertically pivot themounting plate 81 about the pin 84. A user may rotate the knob 83 in onedirection to make pivoting of the mounting plate require less force androtate the knob 83 in an opposite direction to make pivoting of themounting plate require more force. Since different objects of differentweights may be attached to the mounting plate 81, such adjustmentpermits the user to adjust the ease or difficulty of tilting themounting plate 81 and the object to which it is attached, such as amonitor, to meet the user's specific preferences with respect tovertical tilting of the object attached to the mounting plate 81.Further, if one object is replaced with a lighter or heavier object, theuser may adjust the friction applied to tilting of the new object toadjust for the change in weight to ensure the tilting of the new objectmeets with the user's preference.

The pin 84 also has a notch 96 that is sized and configured to receive astop 97. Stop 97 is configured to prevent disconnection of pin 84 duringfrictional adjustment. As may be best appreciated from FIG. 11, stop 97can engage a portion of the housing to prevent the pin 84 from beingpulled out of the housing during frictional adjustment.

In some alternative embodiments, the washers 87, 88, 91 and 92 may notact directly on the pin 84. For such embodiments, rotation of the knob83 may affect the position of the washers, which may expand or retractthe sleeve 85 to adjust the amount of friction incurred during movementof the pin 84 between the sleeve 85 and the pin 84.

It is also contemplated that alternative embodiments of the tiltmechanism 90 attached to the mounting plate 81 and frictional adjustmentmechanism 80 could include a ball and socket joint tilt mechanism. Sucha ball and socket joint mechanism may include a frictional adjustmentmechanism that acts on one or more straps to adjust the friction appliedduring movement of the ball portion of the socket. As anotheralternative, the friction adjustment mechanism may adjust the positionof resilient members or frictional members located adjacent the socketportion of the ball and socket joint to adjust the amount of frictionincurred during tilting of an object.

It is also contemplated that the friction adjustment mechanism couldinclude a threaded bolt that has a knob on one end that is rotated toadjust the friction incurred from rotation of a monitor and/or themounting plate. In an alternative design, the knob could be replacedwith an adjustment mechanism such as an Allen bolt that can be adjustedwith the use of a tool, such as an Allen wrench. The bolt and washerscould be configured so that rotation of the Allen bolt adjusts theamount of force applied by the washers to the bolt to adjust the amountof friction incurred from movement of a monitor and/or mounting plate.

In a sixth present preferred embodiment, which is shown in FIGS. 12-14,an arm 110 may include a first arm member 115 that is pivotallyconnected to a second arm member 114. A mounting plate 112 is pivotallyconnected to the second arm member 114. The mounting plate 112 has ahousing 119 that includes an opening sized to receive a pin 117. Thesecond arm member 114 also has an opening sized and configured toreceive the pin 117. The pin 117 is sized and configured to be insertedinto the housing 119 and the second arm member 114. A nut 111 isconfigured to engage the pin 117 adjacent an outer side 121 of thesecond arm member 114. It should be appreciated that the housing 119 andthe second arm member 114 include bearing surfaces 127 and 128 formedtherein. The bearing surfaces 127 and 128 help permit the mounting plate112 to rotate relative to the second aim member 114 while the second armmember 114 engages the housing 119.

The nut 111 can be threaded and configured to rotate along threadslocated along the surface of the pin 117 to tighten or loosen theengagement between the second arm member 114 and the housing 119. Itshould be appreciated that tightening the engagement between the secondarm member 114 and the housing 119 requires a user to apply more forceto the mounting plate 112 to move the mounting plate 112 relative to thesecond arm member 114. Similarly, loosening the engagement between thesecond arm member 114 and the housing 119 requires a user to apply lessforce to the mounting plate 112 to move the mounting plate relative tothe second arm member 114.

In yet other embodiments, the nut 111 may be integral with the secondarm member 114 and the pin 117 may be a hex screw or other pin thatincludes an opening sized to receive a tool such that the tool may beused to rotate the pin 117 to loosen or tighten the engagement betweenthe second arm member 114 and the housing 119. In embodiments where thepin 117 is a hex screw, an Allen wrench or other tool may be used toadjust the friction a user must apply to move the mounting plate 112relative to the second arm member 114.

It is also contemplated that the second arm member 114 may include athreaded opening sized to receive a threaded pin 117 and may not includea nut 111 adjacent its outer side 121. The pin 117 may include a socketor other opening sized to receive a tool. The tool, such as a headlessscrew or hex key, may be inserted into the socket and moved to cause thepin 117 to rotate along the threaded opening in the second arm member114 in a first direction and in a second direction that is opposite thefirst direction. Rotation of the pin 117 can adjust the frictionincurred by movement of the mounting plate 112 relative to the secondarm member 114.

A second present preferred friction adjustment mechanism 141 that may beutilized in embodiments of our support apparatus is illustrated in FIG.15. The friction adjustment mechanism 141 includes a linkage 147 that isbetween a moveable lobe 145 and a fixed lobe 148 that is attached to adisc 149. The moveable lobe 145 and fixed lobe may be generallycylindrical or generally polygonal in shape. A mounting plate 150 ismoveably attached to the disc 149. It should be appreciated that thelinkage 147 may be a portion of an arm that is attached to a collararound a threaded post similar to the embodiments discussed above or bea separate linkage that is attached or moveably attached to an arm orarm assembly.

It should be understood that the friction adjustment mechanism 141 canbe configured to permit numerous adjustments to the position of anobject held by an arm assembly. For instance, a monitor or other objectmounted to the mounting plate 150 may be rotated about the disc 149 ormay be vertically or horizontally tilted about different tilt axesdefined by pins extending through openings formed in linkage 147.

The disc 149 is attached within an opening in a mounting plate 150 suchthat the mounting plate can rotate along the circumference of the disc149. Preferably, the periphery of the disc 149 is chamfered and mateswith a chamfered opening in the mounting plate 150. The mating chamferededges of the disc 149 and mounting plate 150 may permit the mountingplate to rotate along the circumference of the disc 149 or at leastpartially around the periphery of the disc 149.

The fixed lobe 148 of the disc 149 is adjacent to a groove 151. Thegroove 151 is sized and configured to hold a tool 152, such as an Allenwrench or hex wrench. Portions of the disc 149 that define the groovealso project past the circumference of the disc 149 and abut the backface of the mounting plate 150. These portions help keep the disc 149rotatable attached to the mounting plate 150.

The fixed lobe 148 may be integral with the disc 149 or may be adhered,over molded or mechanically fastened to the disc 149. The lobe 148defines an opening and has a tilt friction surface 167 that engages afirst tilt friction surface 165 of linkage 147.

The linkage 147 has an opening 146 that is aligned with the opening inthe lobe 148. The linkage 147 also has a second tilt friction surface164 opposite the first tilt friction surface 165. The second tiltfriction surface 164 is positioned adjacent a tilt friction surface 163of the moveable lobe 145. The moveable lobe 145 has a hollow projection164 that defines an opening that is sized and configured to receive acompression screw 143.

Preferably, the moveable lobe 145 and fixed lobe 148 is composed of anelastomeric material such as acetal, polyoxymethylene, polyacetal,polytrioxane, polyformaldehyde, and paraformaldehyde or other plasticsand the linkage 147 is composed of metal, such as zinc or steel. Themetal of the linkage 147 may be covered in an elastomeric material orcoated in a finish. In other embodiments, the linkage 147, and lobes 145and 148 may all be composed of metal, an elastomeric, material such asplastic, or different materials.

The compression screw 143 may be inserted into the moveable lobe 145 andextend through the moveable lobe 145 and the opening 146 of the linkage145. A bolt 161 extends through the opening in the fixed lobe 148 andinto the opening 146 of the linkage 145. The bolt 161 may function as atilt axle for mounting plate 150 or disc 149. Preferably, thecompression screw 143 is received into a channel or tapped hole formedin the bolt 161 so that the compression screw 143 is moveable relativeto the bolt 161. For instance, the channel in the bolt 161 may havethreads that mate with threads on the screw 143 such that the screw canmove into and out of the channel in the bolt 161.

A user may use a tool 152, such as a hex wrench or screw driver, torotate the compression screw 143 to tighten or loosen the fit betweenthe moveable lobe 145, linkage 147 and fixed lobe 148 to adjust howdifficult or easy it is to tilt the mounting plate 150 or an objectdirectly attached to the mounting plate 150. If engagement between thelobes 145 and 148 and linkage 147 is tightened, then more friction willbe created during tiling of the mounting plate 150 about the axisdefined by the bolt 161. If the engagement is loosened, the amount offriction created during tiling of the mounting plate 150 will bereduced. Preferably, the disc 149 has one or more openings 171 sized toreceive a portion of the moveable lobe 145 and define the distance thatthe moveable lobe 145 may move relative to the linkage 147 or fixed lobe148 to define the tightest and loosest positions of the moveable lobe145.

It should be appreciated that other variations of the present preferredembodiments discussed above may be made. For example, the support post 5is shown as a generally cylindrical support, but other embodiments mayinclude a post that is generally rectangular, or other support membersof other sizes or configurations. As another example, the support postcan include multiple threads formed in the post along the length of thepost. As an additional example, the clamp may be configured to attachthe support post to a cubicle panel, wall, or other substantiallyvertical surface or to a tilted work surface. As yet another example,the collar may include two or more teeth that project inward and areconfigured to engage with one or more threads in the support post 5 suchthat the teeth travel along the one or more threads during movement ofthe collar. As yet another example, the mounting plate 150 may beconfigured to comply with the VESA standard or be configured to hold orattach to various other types of monitors, displays or other objects.

While certain present preferred embodiments of the support apparatus andcertain embodiments of methods of practicing the same have been shownand described, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention isnot limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied andpracticed within the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A support apparatus for at least one display devicecomprising: a support member having at least one thread; a collarattached to the support member, the collar moveable along the at leastone thread of the support member such that rotation of the collar in afirst direction moves the collar in a substantially upward directionalong the support member and rotation of the collar in a seconddirection that is opposite the first direction moves the collar in asubstantially downward direction along the support member; at least onearm assembly directly attached to the collar, contacting the collar, orpositioned on the collar, movement of the collar in the substantiallyupward direction along the support member adjusting a vertical positionof the at least one arm assembly and movement of the collar in thesubstantially downward direction along the support member adjusting thevertical position of the at least one arm assembly, the at least one armassembly sized and configured to hold at least one display device. 2.The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one arm assemblycontacts the collar or is directly attached to the collar and thesupport member has a first end and a second end opposite the first endand the at least one thread is a groove formed in the support memberthat extends along a helical path from adjacent to the first end of thesupport member to adjacent the second end of the support member.
 3. Thesupport apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one arm assembly iscomprised of a first arm assembly and wherein the at least one thread isformed along an outer surface of the support member or is cut into theouter surface of the support member.
 4. The support apparatus of claim 2wherein the at least one arm assembly is comprised of a first armassembly having a first linkage that is pivotally attached to a secondlinkage and a third linkage pivotally attached to the second linkage,the third linkage also attached to a mounting plate.
 5. The supportapparatus of claim 2 further comprising a friction adjustment mechanismattached to the at least one arm assembly.
 6. The support apparatus ofclaim 5 wherein the friction adjustment mechanism is comprised of aplurality of friction inducing members positioned adjacent an axledefining a tilt axis for the at least one object, the friction inducingmembers sized and configured to apply an amount of friction duringmovement of the at least one object about the tilt axis.
 7. The supportapparatus of claim 6 wherein the friction adjustment mechanism isfurther comprised of a rotatable member positioned adjacent the frictioninducing members, the rotatable member configured to rotate in a firstdirection and a second direction, rotation of the rotatable member inthe first direction increasing the amount of friction and rotation inthe second direction decreasing the amount of friction.
 8. The supportapparatus of claim 5 wherein the friction adjustment mechanism iscomprised of a linkage positioned between a moveable lobe and a fixedlobe, the fixed lobe attached to a mounting device, the fixed lobehaving a first surface that engages a first surface of the linkage andthe moveable lobe having a first surface that engages a second surfaceof the linkage.
 9. The support apparatus of claim 8 wherein the frictionadjustment mechanism is further comprised of a rotatable memberextending through an opening formed in the moveable lobe and an openingformed in the linkage, the rotatable member being moveable relative toat least one of the moveable lobe and the linkage.
 10. The supportapparatus of claim 9 wherein the rotatable member is a screw.
 11. Thesupport apparatus of claim 9 wherein the rotatable member also extendsthrough an opening formed in the fixed lobe and the rotatable member ismoveable relative to at least one of the moveable lobe, the fixed lobeand the linkage.
 12. The support apparatus of claim 9 wherein themoveable lobe has a generally polygonal or generally cylindrical shapedstructure and the fixed lobe has a generally polygonal or generallycylindrical shaped structure.
 13. The support apparatus of claim 1wherein the at least one arm assembly is comprised of a linkagepositioned between a moveable lobe and a fixed lobe, the fixed lobeattached to a mounting device, the fixed lobe having a first surfacethat engages a first surface of the linkage and the moveable lobe havinga first surface that engages a second surface of the linkage.
 14. Thesupport apparatus of claim 13 wherein the at least one arm assembly isalso comprised of a rotatable member extending through an opening formedin the moveable lobe and an opening formed in the linkage such thatmovement of the rotatable member adjusts an amount of friction createdfrom movement of the moveable lobe relative to the linkage.
 15. Thesupport apparatus of claim 14 wherein the rotatable member also extendsthrough an opening formed in the fixed lobe and the rotatable member ismoveable relative to at least one of the moveable lobe, the fixed lobeand the linkage.
 16. The support apparatus of claim 15 furthercomprising an axle extending through the opening in the fixed lobe andthe opening of the linkage, the axle having an opening sized andconfigured to receive the rotatable member.
 17. The support apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the at least one arm assembly is comprised of a mountingdevice attached to an arm, the arm positioned on the collar, themounting device having a groove sized and configured to receive a tool.18. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one armassembly is comprised of a first arm assembly having a first linkagethat has a first end and a second end and a second linkage that has afirst end and a second end, the first end of the first linkage pivotallyattached to the first end of a second linkage, the first linkage havingan indented portion sized and configured to receive at least a portionof the second linkage such that the second linkage can be moved to atleast one position adjacent the indented portion.
 19. The supportapparatus of claim 18 wherein the indented portion is sized andconfigured such that the second linkage is rotatable along an angularrange of 0° to
 339. 20. The support apparatus of claim 18 wherein theindented portion defines a gap between the indented portion and thefirst end of the first linkage.
 21. The support apparatus of claim 2wherein the collar is comprised of at least one projection sized andconfigured to engage the at least one thread.
 22. The support apparatusof claim 21 wherein the at least one projection is a thread or a tooth.23. The support apparatus of claim 21 wherein the at least one thread isa groove formed in the support member and the at least one projection issized to fit within the groove and slide along the groove.
 24. Thesupport apparatus of claim 21 wherein the collar is comprised of a firstportion attached to a second portion, the at least one projectionextending from the first portion, the first portion composed of metal orelastomeric material and the second portion composed of elastomericmaterial.
 25. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least onearm assembly does not include any of a coil spring, a gas spring and acable to maintain a position of the at least one arm assembly.
 26. Thesupport apparatus of claim 2 wherein the at least one arm assembly ispositioned on the collar as a lone source of attachment of the at leastone arm assembly to the collar, the at least one arm assembly comprisinga first arm assembly having a plurality of pivotally interconnectedlinks.